NBA SPORTS: Rockets Bring Back Franchise Legend in Surprise $21 Million Deal After Landing Dorian Finney-Smith
In a move that has electrified Houston fans and shaken up the NBA free agency landscape, the Houston Rockets have agreed to a $21 million deal to bring back a franchise legend, just hours after finalizing a trade for veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith.
Multiple sources confirm the Rockets are reuniting with Eric Gordon, the longtime Rocket sharpshooter and respected locker room presence who spent over seven seasons with the team from 2016 to 2023. Gordon, 35, returns on a two-year deal worth $21 million — a surprise move that signals the Rockets are aiming to blend experience with youth as they accelerate their rebuild into a playoff push.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Eric back to Houston,” said Rockets GM Rafael Stone in a team statement. “He’s a leader, a proven scorer, and someone who understands what it means to wear a Rockets jersey.”
The announcement came shortly after Houston acquired Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets in a high-profile deal aimed at adding veteran defense and shooting to the young core of Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Şengün. Finney-Smith, widely respected as a versatile 3-and-D forward, fills a critical need for the Rockets on the wing.
But it’s Gordon’s return that’s stealing headlines.
After leaving Houston via trade in 2023 and spending time with the Clippers and Suns, Gordon reportedly drew interest from several contenders this offseason. However, league insiders say his connection to the city, the fan base, and head coach Ime Udoka’s vision for the team made Houston an ideal homecoming.
“This isn’t just nostalgia,” said NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins. “Eric can still give you 12–14 a night, knock down big shots, and lead a young locker room. It’s a smart, stabilizing move.”
Gordon averaged 11.0 points per game last season on 37.1% shooting from three — numbers that fit perfectly into Udoka’s spacing-heavy, defensive-minded system. With Finney-Smith also in the fold, the Rockets now boast a much more balanced roster capable of contending for a play-in spot in the Western Conference.
Fans took to social media to celebrate Gordon’s return, many calling it “unfinished business” for a player who never stopped representing Houston with professionalism and grit.
Whether this latest flurry of moves signals more action on the horizon remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Rockets aren’t waiting anymore. They’re building to win — and bringing a familiar face back to do it.